For many individuals, the term ‘souvenir’ evokes childhood memories of forgettable trinkets and unappealing t-shirts, along with various items destined for the depths of seldom opened drawers. However, for seasoned travellers, the right memento can take center stage in their homes, holding the incredible power to evoke vivid memories of their adventures.
In this article, iBestTravel staff share stories behind their favourite souvenirs, demonstrating how an assortment of musical instruments, fridge magnets, and even commonplace objects like rocks can encapsulate a cherished location or a perfect moment during their travels.
An eyebrow-raising sitar from India
I grew up surrounded by sitar music, as my dad’s best friend played it for us when we were young. Consequently, I always longed for a sitar of my own. After some research, I found a reputable maker in Delhi. After several trips to his shop, I discovered a sitar I was excited about and hired a tin-box wallah to create a case to transport it home.
Detuning 21 strings and wrapping the instrument in padding was no small feat, but it arrived at London City without a scratch. I caught the curious glances of business commuters as my oddly-shaped box emerged as one of the few items from the hold. These days, my children rarely grant me enough time to retune all those strings, yet even its presence in my home whisks me back to the subcontinent.
Joe Bindloss, Destination Editor for the Indian subcontinent. Follow Joe’s tweets @joe_planet.
A personal piece of Mount Everest
After two weeks exploring Tibet, I finally arrived at Everest Base Camp, where, breathless from the altitude, I settled on a boulder to marvel at the majestic peak. My Tibetan guide, intuitively understanding the moment, told me, ‘You can pick something up, it’s okay, but please ask permission from the mountain goddess first if you wish to take something away,’ then left me to my thoughts.
Until then, I hadn’t considered taking a rock from Everest, but this transformed into a meaningful spiritual task. After inspecting many stones, I sought the one that felt right and, following my guide’s advice, I asked Qomolangma – goddess mother of the universe, the Tibetan name for Everest – for permission. The stone now graces my bedside as a sacred reminder of this incredible trip.
Megan Eaves, Destination Editor for North Asia. Follow Megan’s tweets @megoizzy.
Tacky magnets from travels around the world
The best souvenirs serve as conversation starters, trigger joyful memories, and occupy a place of honour in your home while being compact. My collection of tacky magnets from around the globe meets all these criteria!
Initially, it began with an oddly polite tulip-filled clog from Amsterdam that read ‘Regards, Holland’, which has now grown to approximately 150 unique magnets. When scouting for our next potential addition, we adhere to several strict guidelines: it must include the destination name, be the tackiest option available, and not be offensive. Highlights of my collection include a wobbly-legged octopus from Aruba, a toothpick holder from Bulgaria, and a set of bagpipes from Edinburgh that, when activated, still performs a lively rendition of Scotland the Brave.
Claire Naylor, Senior Editor. Follow Claire’s tweets @RoadTripJones.
A gifted cushion cover from Cappadocia
In April 2010, during the chaos brought on by an unpronounceable Icelandic volcano eruption, I found myself in Cappadocia, Turkey. I was stranded unexpectedly yet had plenty of fascinating things to explore in this remarkable region.
During a visit with locals residing in traditional cave homes, a kind elderly woman welcomed me into her home for tea. I managed to convey my predicament of not being able to return home (hand gestures involving the volcano were involved). Pointing to beautiful cushion covers she created to sell to tourists, I assumed she wanted me to purchase one. However, she gently insisted that I take one as a free gift, so I could have a piece of her home as a souvenir until I finally made it back to mine. I still cherish that cover and think fondly of that woman and Cappadocia whenever I see it.
Clifton Wilkinson, Destination Editor for Britain, Ireland and Iceland. Follow Cliff’s tweets @cliff_wilkinson.
A tattoo of a bear from Berlin (sort of)
This past New Year in Berlin, between indulging in Christmas markets and exploring intriguing art galleries, I enjoyed quite a bit of local Berliner beer, famous for its bear logo. Subsequently, I felt inspired to get my first tattoo, drawing inspiration from my beloved beverage.
On New Year’s Day, I scouted various tattoo parlors throughout Kreuzberg, but all were closed. Unwilling to give up, I resolved to get it done as soon as I returned to the UK, visiting my local tattoo shop in Oxford to have the bear tattooed on my leg. I nearly forgot that it wasn’t done in Berlin, so that must count, right?
Joe Davis, Online Marketing Coordinator. Follow Joe’s tweets @joedavis_.
Fossilised fish scales from the Jurassic Coast
During a family holiday on the British seaside, rough weather unexpectedly turned advantageous. We ventured to the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, where storms had caused sections of cliffs to collapse, exposing hidden treasures. As I rummaged along the shoreline, I discovered various common fossils: sea urchins, ammonites, and the pointed remnants of squid-like belemnites.
Among the findings, one oddly patterned black pebble revealed itself as a portion of a fish’s side, a Pholidophorus – one of the first to develop scales. It amazes me to think that this humble creature once navigated a sea teeming with prehistoric giants like the 50-foot Mosasaurs and the Megalodon, the largest shark known to have existed.
Peter Grunert, Group Editor of iBestTravel magazines. Follow Peter’s tweets @peter_grunert.
A tattooed hunk picked up in Croatia
I had forgotten that taking a budget 6am flight from Stansted was a false economy, arriving at Šibenik, Croatia, in a complete daze after a three-hour flight and one-hour taxi ride. As I stepped down from the jetty onto a small wooden boat filled with suitcases, I heard a voice warn me, ‘Watch out for that bolt!’ as I stumbled, spun around, and landed in his arms.
Our connection wasn’t exactly instantaneous – his tattoos were less than impressive – yet we struck up a conversation on the journey to the island festival Obonjan. Eventually, we became best friends and moved in together a year later. Since then, we’ve returned to Croatia every summer, exploring new areas each time, and I’ve contemplated returning him just once or twice.
Hazel Lubbock, Digital Platform Editor. Follow Hazel’s tweets @hazellubbock.
